There has to be a difference in something. One thing compensates the other, more or less. One faction has better generals and units, the other a better economy, more spies, or whatever. If you are going to try to equal the number of spies at turn 1 and recruitable thereafter, then we might as well start picking about the same strength in units, unit recruitment possibilities, economy, generals, siege equipment, free upkeep, strategic positioning, etc etc etc.

Let's just not change anything and play with what we are familiar with.

Given the length of the hotseat, I think its a good decision of Dux to let factions border eachother, so we can go to war faster, instead of going after rebel settlements. But everything else should remain the same, IMO.